Nakhane urges men who have sex with men to practise safe sex and get tested

The openly gay South African singer and actor is fronting a new campaign promoting safe sex

2019-02-07

Nakhane is urging people to have safe sex as he fronts a new campaign.

The openly gay actor and singer posted to Twitter to confirm that he is the official ambassador for ‘Me1st’, a campaign based in South Africa which supports men who have sex with men (MSM) and provides access to information and free healthcare.

Taking to Twitter, Nakhane wrote: “I am happy to announce that I am an official campaign ambassador for @Me1stSa; a campaign aiming to encourage men who have sex with men to have safe sex, and test for STIs in spaces free of discrimination.”

I am happy to announce that I am an official campaign ambassador for @Me1stSa; a campaign aiming to encourage men who have sex with men to have safe sex, and test for STIs in spaces free of discrimination. Go to the Me1st website for more information: https://t.co/oyqcnn5egcpic.twitter.com/SFoKyBMJIh

Following the announcement, Nakhane – who is also from South Africa – spoke to iol.co.az and said he is encouraging everyone to get tested and learn about practicing safe sex.

He said: “This is a cause that is very close to my heart as I am always encouraging everyone around me to get tested.

“I learnt the importance of practicing safe sex and knowing one’s status by observing my mother when she was a counsellor for people in disadvantaged areas, many of whom were HIV positive.

“This campaign is important because it gives a voice to men who have sex with men by creating the channels needed for non-discriminatory HIV and STI screening.

"For me, Me1st is an opportunity to not only debunk myths but also to create safe spaces. It is important to know your status, and you should never feel compromised or humiliated when wanting to test.”